During the outbreak of COVID-19, home is supposed to be a cozy and safe shelter from the deadly infectious virus. However, for many women and children, home is a horrendously toxic accommodation where they become victims of domestic violence. Living in the historical era, we are not only tackling the pandemic-stricken world but also fighting against the exposure of domestic abuse.
Given that there is a global surge in reports of domestic violence since the lockdown began. In India, the number of abuse cases doubled in the first week of nationwide movement restriction. Turning to France, the reports of violence rose by 36% after the lockdown order. While in VietNam, a network of shelters called Ngoi Nha Binh Yen or Peace House has taken in 2.5 times as many victims of domestic violence as it did last year. It is clear that the worldwide lockdown and movement restriction have made domestic violence more frequent, more severe, and more dangerous. These unprecedented statistics from around the world are an alarming ring that warns the threat of domestic violence during COVID-19.
Similar to various violence issues, a cluster of people posed questions about the reason why domestic violence occurs globally during the pandemic. To seek an answer to this question, let me scrutinize how badly COVID 19 has affected the world around us.
The first reason is the global recession. The global economy is being ruined tremendously owing to the outbreak of COVID-19. The global health crisis is morphing in a global recession. Millions of employees are at risk of unemployment and financial fluctuation. Being unable to handle the economic anxiety, they take their frustration and anger on their partners. In fact, being jobless is an element that threatens men’s sense of masculinity because they perceive themself as a breadwinner who is responsible for financial stability. This pushes abusers close to violence that helps men regain a sense of power and entitlement in their relationship.
Subsequently, social isolation also exacerbated domestic violence. By isolating victims from family, friends, and support contacts, abusers are able to terrorize the victims. Besides, as aforementioned, due to the widespread of COVID-19, all residents are forced to self isolate and all public facilities are shut down. Therefore, the victims of intimate relationships have no place to go and no one to seek help.
In addition, abuse thrives in silence. The victims of domestic violence tend to let their pain roll their back and stay in an intimidating relationship. Many victims are afraid that reporting the abuser’s behavior would reveal humiliating stories and makes them face up to the social stigma. Also, women who are in abusive relationships often prioritize the children first, sacrificing their own safety in order to maintain a family for their kids. Therefore, the victims of domestic violence still endure this treatment for years.
COVID-19 is dangerous but the ongoing pandemic of domestic violence is perilous. It is proven that women who have been in domestic exile experience post-traumatic stress disorder seven times higher than those who have not. Besides the mental health issues, the victims of domestic abuse are at risk of some physical health problems such as broken bones, head injuries, lacerations, and internal bleeding. Furthermore, children who witness domestic violence during their upbringing will suffer developmental and psychological damage.
COVID-19 is pushing people closer to domestic violence. Without attempts, the issue of domestic abuse is far from being addressed. We cannot accept domestic violence as a normal part of our lives. Domestic violence is not normal. Domestic violence is a crime that must be reported, investigated, and prosecuted.